Breast lifts and implants both have potential risks associated with them, and it is important to discuss the risks and rewards with a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding which type of surgery, if any, is best for a particular individual.
With that said, breast lifts are generally considered to be safer than breast implants.
A breast lift removes extra skin to reshape and lift the breasts and can provide a lasting, natural look. It does not involve permanently inserting an object into the body or opening the breast to insert an implant, reducing the potential for complications.
Most of the risks from a breast lift are the same as any surgery, such as excessive bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, and sensitivity.
Breast implants involve placing a shell beneath the chest muscles, filling the shell with a sterile material, and then closing the incision. The two most common materials are saline and silicone gel, which come with a variety of risks, such as shifting of the implant, wrinkles, deflation, disruption of the cellular makeup of the breast, migration of the implant, capsular contracture (hardening of the breast), and infection.
Even though many of the risks were reduced with newer silicone implants, these implants still involve more risks than a breast lift does.
Which is better breast lift or just implants?
The best choice for you will depend on your individual situation and needs.
Breast lifts involve surgically repositioning the breast tissue in order to make the breasts appear more youthful, perky, and raised. If your breasts have sagged due to age, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, then a breast lift may be the right option for you.
However, if you are more interested in increasing the size of your breasts, implants will provide the desired result.
If you choose implants, you can also choose from a variety of sizes and shapes. The implant will be inserted behind or around your chest muscle, depending on the size and shape of your breasts. All of these options are typically carried out with a general or local anaesthetic, and may take several hours to complete.
If you are not sure which option is best for you, it is advisable to consult a board-certified surgeon. They will be able to give you the most accurate advice on which procedure will best suit your body.
What is the disadvantage of breast lift?
The main disadvantage of a breast lift is that it may leave scarring. The scarring is usually confined to the area immediately around the nipple, but it can depend on the type of lift used. Another disadvantage is that it can take several months for the results to be visible and can take up to a year for them to fully settle.
The potential for scarring and the need for a long wait for results is something to consider when deciding if a breast lift is right for you. Recovery time can vary significantly and can range from one to four weeks before you are able to resume some of your daily activities.
In some cases, longer recovery time may be necessary to ensure that the wounds heal and that the newly lifted breast tissues settle in their new position.
How long does a breast lift usually last?
A breast lift generally lasts anywhere from 7-10 years, depending on the individual. Depending on a person’s lifestyle, environment, genetics, and other factors, the results of a breast lift may not last as long, so it is important to consult with your surgeon beforehand and ensure the best results.
To maximize the longevity of the results, make sure to follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and limiting sun exposure. Furthermore, it’s also beneficial to wear a supportive bra and clothing that fits you properly to prevent any additional sagging or stretching of the breasts.
Additionally, you may also need to undergo a “touch-up” procedure which is a “top-up” procedure 6 or 12 months after the original lift to keep the results in place.
How painful is a breast lift?
A breast lift can vary in degree of discomfort. In most cases, patients often report slight discomfort and mild pain during recovery. That being said, it is likely that the procedure will take place in a hospital or surgery center with general anesthesia so pain will be minimized.
In addition, patients may experience some lingering discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the days after the surgery but this typically subsides within two weeks once the healing process has begun. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medications are all that is needed to manage any mild soreness or discomfort during recovery.
Is a breast lift more painful?
A breast lift is more invasive than a breast augmentation because it involves cutting and reshaping the tissue to raise and reshape the breasts. Generally speaking, a breast lift may be more painful than a breast augmentation, though this will depend on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s pain tolerance.
The pain associated with surgery is usually managed with prescribed pain medication. Depending on the type of procedure, your doctor may recommend a combination of IV pain medications, oral pain medications, and local anesthesia.
Following the procedure, most patients report feeling soreness, discomfort, and tightness that can last a few days. Your doctor may also recommend compression garments to minimize swelling and also help reduce pain.
Regular follow-up visits with your doctor are necessary to ensure that the area is healing properly and any pain is duly managed.
Do breast lifts go away?
No, breast lifts do not go away. Breast lifting, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. The effects of a breast lift are permanent as long as the skin elasticity of a person remains the same.
After the surgery, over time, the breasts may sag a bit more due to the aging process, gravity, and any changes in weight or pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and proper weight to help the breasts maintain their improved appearance.
Do breast lifts have to be redone?
Yes, breast lifts typically need to be redone after a certain number of years. The amount of time needed before a breast lift needs to be redone can vary per person and depends on several factors, such as the person’s age, skin elasticity, lifestyle, and how much weight has been lost or gained.
Generally speaking, a breast lift should usually be redone after about 10 years as the effects will wear off over time. After a breast lift, you can expect your body to gradually change which may affect the results of the surgery and lead to a need for a redo.
It is important to visit your doctor for regular follow-up appointments to assess your progress, and to determine if you will eventually need another breast lift.
Can you have a breast lift twice?
Yes, it is possible to have a breast lift twice. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct sagging and drooping breasts. This can be caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight gain, or a combination of these factors.
Depending on the elasticity of the skin and the goals of the patient, a breast lift may need to be repeated.
When considering a repeat procedure, it is important to remember that the results of the initial surgery may not completely last. This can be because the elasticity of the skin may have not changed or because the patient has experienced weight gain or loss, or the natural aging process has caused the breasts to sag further.
If the patient plans on having any more pregnancies, this can also affect the longevity of the results.
It is important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon for any breast lift procedure and should be one that is experienced in the procedure being undertaken. During the consultation, your doctor can discuss your expectations in order to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
If a second breast lift is necessary, the doctor will advise on the best timing and approach.
How much does it cost to get a breast lift?
The cost of a breast lift will vary greatly depending on the individual and the specifics of the procedure, such as the complexity of the lift, type of anesthesia used, facility fees, and the geographic location of the procedure.
Generally, you can expect an average cost of between $4,000 and $9,000. This may or may not include the cost of anesthesia or post-procedure garments, so it is important to ask your chosen surgeon exactly what their quoted price covers.
Furthermore, some insurance companies may provide coverage for a breast lift, depending on the patient’s circumstances, so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they can help with the cost.
Is it worth getting a breast lift without implants?
Absolutely, a breast lift without implants can be an excellent option for some women who want to elevate and reshape their breasts without adding volume, or filling out their bustline. Breast lifts remove excess skin and reshape the surrounding tissue, improving the general shape and position of the breasts.
This can be extremely beneficial to women who feel like their breasts have lost their youthful shape or are sagging due to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight fluctuations. It can also provide a more balanced look if one breast is lower than the other, or if the nipples are pointing down.
Even without implants, a breast lift can have major benefits to a woman’s appearance and confidence. Of course, it’s important to speak with a cosmetic surgeon about your individual goals and concerns to determine if a breast lift sans implants is the best option for you.
What are the negatives of a boob lift?
The main negative of a boob lift is the potential for complications and risks associated with any surgical procedure. These include: infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, or poor healing processes.
Additionally, there is a risk for asymmetry in the results, as well as visible scarring due to the incisions required. Other side effects and risks to be aware of include dents or irregularities in the breast shape, numbness or a loss of sensation in the nipple and/or surrounding breast tissue, changes in the size or shape of the nipples, hematoma or seroma (fluid accumulation) formation, healing difficulties, and even a decrease in the size of the breasts.
In rare cases, the possibility of corrective procedures being needed, or even the possibility of additional surgery to correct device malfunctions may also occur.
Will my breasts sag again after breast lift?
Generally speaking, breasts will have a tendency to sag again over time, as the skin naturally begins to lose its elasticity. Factors such as age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight fluctuation can all contribute to the amount of sagging that may occur after a breast lift.
To reduce the amount of sagging that may occur in the future, it is important for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining an optimal weight and avoiding activities that can be hard on the chest area like extreme sports or activities.
Additionally, wearing properly fitted bras can also help keep the breasts lifted and supported.
It is also important to note that just like any other surgery, there is always a risk of certain complications occurring after a breast lift. These can include scarring, infection, or tissue death. It is important for individuals to discuss all of these risks and concerns with their doctor before undergoing any type of breast lift procedure.
Is a breast lift a high risk surgery?
A breast lift is considered a generally safe procedure, but like any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with it. Complications can result from any anesthesia, infection, excessive bleeding or poor healing of wounds, reaction to the sutures or surgical materials, or changes in nipple or breast sensation.
Breast lifts also carry a risk of asymmetry, scarring, and dissatisfaction with the results. There is also the possibility that a second, or even third, procedure will be needed to attain the desired result.
If a woman has had implants placed in the breasts, there is an increased risk of complications from her previous surgery, including capsule contracture and changes in breast texture. Though these risks are real, most women feel that the benefits of a breast lift far outweigh them.
Can a breast lift give cleavage?
Yes, a breast lift can give cleavage. The goal of a breast lift is to reshape and raise the breasts, which can often create better cleavage. By surgically removing excess skin, the implants or your own tissue can be reshaped and placed in a higher, fuller position on the chest, creating better and more noticeable cleavage.
During a breast lift, the nipple may also be moved to a higher spot, allowing for enhanced projection and definition. Depending on the size and shape of the breasts before the procedure, the final results can vary, but many patients are able to enjoy the lift and cleavage they desire.